Hydro transition systems and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for hydro-electric power generation are disclosed. The system includes a frame or structure positioned in a waterway or channel, with one or more hydro-transition units secured to corners of the frame. The hydro-transition units include a body of reinforced fabric for redirecting water flow towards the inlet of the frame, effectively increasing the current of the water and allowing for turbines within the frame to generate power at an increased rate. Anchors and bracket systems may secure the hydro-transition units to both the waterway and the frame, thereby allowing the body of reinforced fabric to withstanding force from water-flow within the waterway. The system includes various failsafe mechanisms for disengaging or detaching the hydro-transition units from the frame and/or anchor for reacting to high water flow or volumes (e.g., flooding).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S.Provisional Patent App. No. 62/559,258, filed on Sep. 15, 2017, andentitled “HYDRO TRANSITIONS,” and is incorporated by reference as if thedisclosure of the same was included herein in its entirety.

This application also incorporates by reference the following U.S. andinternational patent applications:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/294,074, filed on Oct. 14,        2016, and entitled “CYCLOIDAL MAGNETIC GEAR SYSTEM”;    -   International Patent App. No. PCT/US2016/057130, filed on Oct.        14, 2016, and entitled “CYCLOIDAL MAGNETIC GEAR SYSTEM”;    -   International Patent App. No. PCT/US17/24511, filed on Mar. 28,        2017, and entitled “TURBINE HYDROKINETIC ENERGY SYSTEM UTILIZING        CYCLOIDAL MAGNETIC GEARS”; and    -   U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/687,520, filed on Jun. 20,        2018, and entitled “CASSETTE.”

BACKGROUND

Generally, conventional hydro-electric power systems installed inwaterways are not designed for optimal power generation. Typically,these hydro-electric power systems are installed into a waterway andonly interact with the water that happens (by chance) to pass throughthe systems. Accordingly, these conventional systems allow for water toeither pass through the systems at its natural rate, or escape thehydro-electric power converters by traveling around the system (ratherthan through). Therefore, there exists a long-felt but unresolved needfor systems and methods for improved hydro-electric power generation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods fortransitioning the speed and direction of a fluid (e.g., water) in awaterway (e.g., a shallow flow waterway, opposed to a dam system or thelike) such that the fluid is directed into and accelerated through ahydro-electric power generation system. It is generally known thatfluids naturally follow a path of least resistance. Accordingly, thesystem described herein (referred to throughout as a “hydro-transitionsystem”) manipulates the path of a fluid such that the fluid is directedthrough a particular passage. In various embodiments, the systems andmethods for manipulating these fluids may result in accelerating thespeed of the fluid, which in turn results in increased power generation.According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the systemsdescribed herein include a frame or structure installed into a waterway,and one or more hydro-transition systems attached thereto for directingthe water from the waterway through the frame, rather than around theframe. These hydro-transition systems also may be further secured to thesurrounding area (via an anchor or support beams) for allowing thehydro-transition system to withstand substantial force from a movingbody of water. Aspects of the present disclosure provide variousimprovements over preexisting technology, such as: 1) increasing thevolume of fluid passing through a hydro-electric power generationsystem; 2) increasing the power generation output via increased fluidspeeds; and 3) improved failsafe mechanisms for flood management andother scenarios.

According to a first aspect, a hydrokinetic turbine system including: A)a frame for positioning the turbine system in a waterway; B) one or moreturbines operatively connected to the frame; C) at least one bracketcoupled to the frame; and D) a transition operatively connected to theat least one bracket, the transition including: 1) a substantially flatbody for spanning a distance between the frame and a portion of thewaterway; 2) a cable operatively connected to an edge of thesubstantially flat body, the cable for providing tension in thesubstantially flat body and connected to the frame and to an end piece;3) the end piece operatively connected to the substantially flat body,the cable, and an anchor; and 4) the anchor for connecting thesubstantially flat body to a stationary object.

According to a second aspect, the system of the first aspect or anyother aspect, further including a rod operatively connected to an end ofthe transition and the at least one bracket.

According to a third aspect, the system of the first aspect or any otheraspect, wherein the at least one bracket includes a first bracket andsecond bracket.

According to a fourth aspect, the system the third aspect or any otheraspect, wherein: A) the substantially flat body is substantiallytriangular in shape; B) a first point of the substantially flattriangular-shaped body is connected to the first bracket; and C) asecond point of the substantially flat triangular-shaped body isconnected to the second bracket.

According to a fifth aspect, the system of the fourth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein a third point of the substantially flattriangular-shaped body is connected to the end piece.

According to a sixth aspect, an apparatus including: A) a substantiallyflat, substantially triangular body; B) at least one cable operativelyconnected to an edge of the substantially triangular body; C) an endpiece operatively connected to the at least one cable and a first cornerof the substantially triangular body; and D) an anchor connected to theend piece, the anchor including a mechanism for connecting thesubstantially triangular body to a stationary object, wherein a lengthof the substantially triangular body between a second corner and a thirdcorner is configured for receiving a rod, the rod for connecting thesubstantially triangular body to a frame of a turbine system.

According to a seventh aspect, the apparatus of the sixth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the mechanism for connecting the substantiallytriangular body to the stationary object is a connector selected fromthe group including: a ground stake, a hook, a clamp, and a latch.

According to an eighth aspect, a method including: A) providing asubstantially flat, substantially triangular body; B) providing at leastone cable operatively connected to an edge of the substantiallytriangular body; C) providing an end piece operatively connected to theat least one cable and a first corner of the substantially triangularbody; and D) providing an anchor connected to the end piece, the anchorincluding a mechanism for connecting the substantially triangular bodyto a stationary object, wherein a length of the triangular body betweena second corner and a third corner is configured for receiving a rod,the rod for connecting the substantially triangular body to a turbinesystem.

According to a ninth aspect, a system for harvesting hydrokinetic energyin a waterway, the system including: A) a frame positioned perpendicularto an embankment of the waterway, the frame including one or more sidewalls; B) one or more brackets coupled to a corner of the one or moreside walls, wherein the bracket includes a mechanism for securelyreceiving a pole; and C) one or more hydro-transition units, whereineach of the one or more hydro-transition units include: 1) asubstantially flat body, wherein the substantially flat body is areinforced fabric-based material for spanning a distance between theframe and a portion of the waterway; 2) a cable operatively connected toan edge of the substantially flat body, the cable for providing tensionin the substantially flat body; 3) an end piece coupled to thesubstantially flat body, the cable, and an anchor; and 4) the anchor forconnecting the substantially flat body to a stationary object.

According to a tenth aspect, the system of the ninth aspect or any otheraspect, wherein the frame further includes a base, the base connectingat least two of the one or more side walls.

According to an eleventh aspect, the system of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the mechanism for securely receiving the poleincludes a circular receptacle of a diameter approximately larger than adiameter of the pole.

According to a twelfth aspect, the system of the ninth aspect or anyother aspect, wherein the cable is coupled to the one or more brackets.

According to a thirteenth aspect, a method for harvesting hydrokineticenergy in a waterway, the method including receiving hydrokinetic energyfrom rotation of at least one turbine within a frame, wherein the atleast one turbine is rotated by a flow of shallow water and wherein theflow of shallow water is at least partially directed through the framevia a hydro-transition unit operatively connected to the frame andsecured in a position to direct water through the frame within thewaterway.

According to a fourteenth aspect, the method of the thirteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the hydro-transition unit is secured in theposition via an anchor system.

According to fifteenth aspect, the method of the thirteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the hydro-transition unit is secured in theposition via a jamming anchor in contact with a portion of the waterway.

According to a sixteenth aspect, the method of the thirteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the hydro-transition unit is at leastpartially secured in the position via one or more cables.

According to a seventeenth aspect, the method of the sixteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein the one or more cables run along a bottomportion of the hydro-transition unit.

According to an eighteenth aspect, the method of the thirteenth aspector any other aspect, wherein the hydro-transition unit is a firsthydro-transition unit of at least two hydro-transition units operativelyconnected to the frame.

According to a nineteenth aspect, the method of the sixteenth aspect orany other aspect, wherein at least one of the at least twohydro-transition units is operatively connected to the frame at adownstream location from the first hydro-transition unit for creatinglaminar flow as water exits the frame.

According to a twentieth aspect, a system for harvesting hydrokineticenergy in a waterway, the system including: A) a frame positionedperpendicular to an embankment of the waterway, the frame including oneor more side walls; B) one or more brackets coupled to a corner of theone or more side walls, wherein the bracket includes a mechanism forsecurely receiving a pole; and C) one or more hydro-transition units,wherein each of the one or more hydro-transition units include: 1) asubstantially flat body, wherein the substantially flat body is areinforced fabric-based material for spanning a distance between theframe and a portion of the waterway; 2) a cable operatively connected toan edge of the body, the cable for providing tension in the body; and 3)an anchoring system for anchoring the substantially flat body within thewaterway.

According to a twenty-first aspect, the system of the twentieth aspector any other aspect, wherein the anchoring system includes a jamminganchor extending along a length of the substantially flat body forpressing against at least a portion of the embankment of the waterway.

According to a twenty-second aspect, the system of the twentieth aspector any other aspect, wherein: A) the anchoring system includes an endpiece coupled to the substantially flat body, the cable, and an anchor;and B) the anchor for connecting the hydro-transition unit to astationary object.

According to a twenty-third aspect, the system of the twentieth aspector any other aspect, wherein the system further includes one or moreturbines operatively connected to the frame for harvesting hydrokineticenergy.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect, the system of the twentieth aspector any other aspect, wherein the one or more brackets include a firstbracket and a second bracket.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect, the system of the twenty-fourthaspect or any other aspect, wherein the first bracket is locatedproximate a top portion of the frame and the second bracket is locatedproximate a bottom portion of the frame.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect, the system of the twenty-fifthaspect or any other aspect, wherein: A) the hydro-transition unitfurther includes a rod operatively connected to the substantially flatbody; and B) the rod is operatively connected to the first bracket andthe second bracket.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, a method for harvestinghydrokinetic energy in a waterway, the method including harvestinghydrokinetic energy from rotation of at least one turbine within a framevia at least one gear box operatively connected to the frame and to theat least one turbine, wherein: A) the at least one turbine is rotated bya flow of shallow water; B) the flow of shallow water is at leastpartially directed through the frame via at least two hydro-transitionunits operatively connected to the frame; and C) each hydro-transitionunit is at least partially secured in a position by one or more cablesrunning along a bottom portion of the hydro-transition unit to directwater through the frame within the waterway.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect, the method the twenty-seventhaspect or any other aspect, wherein the hydro-transition unit is securedin the position via an anchor system.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect, the method of the twenty-seventhaspect or any other aspect, wherein the hydro-transition unit is securedin the position via a jamming anchor in contact with a portion of thewaterway.

According to a thirtieth aspect, the method of the twenty-seventh aspector any other aspect, wherein: A) the at least two hydro-transition unitsincludes: 1) a first hydro-transition unit at a first upstream location;2) a second hydro-transition unit at a second upstream location; 3) athird hydro-transition unit at a first downstream location; and 4) afourth hydro-transition until at second downstream location; B) thefirst hydro-transition unit is operatively connected to the thirdhydro-transition unit by a first cable; and C) the secondhydro-transition unit is operatively connected to the fourthhydro-transition unit by a second cable.

According to a thirty-first aspect, the method of the twenty-seventhaspect or any other aspect, wherein the at least two hydro-transitionunits are operatively connected to the frame via one or more brackets.

According to a thirty-second aspect, the method of the thirty-firstaspect or any other aspect, wherein: A) the at least twohydro-transition units each further includes a rod operatively connectedto the substantially flat body; and B) the rod is operatively connectedto the one or more brackets.

According to a thirty-third aspect, an apparatus including: A) asubstantially flat, substantially triangular body; B) at least one cableoperatively connected to an edge of the substantially triangular body;C) an end piece operatively connected to the at least one cable and afirst corner of the substantially triangular body; and D) an anchorconnected to the end piece, the anchor including a mechanism forconnecting the substantially triangular body to a stationary object,wherein a length of the substantially triangular body between a secondcorner and a third corner is configured for receiving a rod, the rod forconnecting the substantially triangular body to a frame of a turbinesystem.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect, the apparatus of the thirty-thirdaspect or any other aspect, wherein the mechanism for connecting thesubstantially triangular body to the stationary object is a connectorselected from the group including: a ground stake, a hook, a clamp, anda latch.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect, the apparatus of the thirty-fourthaspect or any other aspect, wherein the mechanism for connecting thesubstantially triangular body to the stationary object is ground stake.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect, the apparatus of the thirty-thirdaspect or any other aspect, wherein the rod is operatively connected toone or more brackets operatively connected to the frame.

According to a thirty-seventh aspect, the apparatus of the thirty-sixthaspect or any other aspect, wherein each of the one or more bracketsdefine an opening with a diameter larger than a diameter of the rod.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect, the apparatus of the thirty-sixthaspect or any other aspect, wherein the substantially triangular bodyincludes a fabric material.

According to the thirty-ninth aspect, the apparatus of the thirty-eighthaspect or any other aspect, wherein the fabric material is reinforced.

These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimedembodiment(s) will become apparent from the following detailed writtendescription of the embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with thefollowing drawings, although variations and modifications thereto may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and benefits of the present disclosure will be apparentfrom a detailed description of various embodiments thereof taken inconjunction with the following drawings, wherein similar elements arereferred to with similar reference numbers, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary hydro-transitions system, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary hydro-transition, according to one aspect ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary frame bracket, according to one aspect of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary frame bracket with attached hydro-transition,according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary hydro-transition anchor, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary hydro-transition system, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary hydro-transition system, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and further features of the disclosed exemplary systems andmethods will be recognized from the following detailed descriptions anddrawings of particular embodiments. In various embodiments, the presentsystems and methods relate generally to systems and methods fortransitioning the speed and direction of a fluid (e.g., water) in awaterway (or the like) such that the fluid is directed into andaccelerated through a hydro-electric power generation system. It isgenerally known that fluids naturally follow a path of least resistance.Accordingly, the system described herein (referred to throughout as a“hydro-transition”) manipulates the path of a fluid such that the fluidis directed through a particular passage. In various embodiments, thesystems and methods for manipulating these fluids may result inaccelerating the speed of the fluid, which in turn results in increasedpower generation. According to various aspects of the presentdisclosure, the systems described herein include a frame or structureinstalled into a waterway (such as, for example, those discussed in theapplications incorporated herein by reference), and one or morehydro-transition systems attached thereto for directing the water fromthe waterway through the frame, rather than around the frame. Thesehydro-transition systems also may be further secured to the surroundingarea (via an anchor or support beams) for allowing the hydro-transitionsystem to withstand substantial force from a moving body of water.Aspects of the present disclosure provide various improvements overpreexisting technology, such as: 1) increasing the volume of fluidpassing through a hydro-electric power generation system; 2) increasingthe power generation output via increased fluid speeds; and 3) improvedfailsafe mechanisms for flood management and other scenarios.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplaryhydro-transitions system 100, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure. As discussed above, the exemplary hydro-transitions system100 may include a hydro-electric power generation structure thatoptimizes the power generation potential of hydrokinetic fluid turbines,or the like, in a waterway, channel, canal, stream, river, etc. In aparticular embodiment, the hydro-transitions system 100 includes atleast a frame 102 or similar structure in a waterway 104 or similarchannel. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, theframe 102 is installed within the waterway 104 to span approximately theentire width of the waterway 104, such that any water flowing throughthe waterway 104 may pass through the frame 102. However, in someembodiments, the frame 102 may not span approximately the entire widthof the waterway 104, or multiple frames 102 may be adjacently installedwithin the waterway 104 and the combined widths of the frames 102 maynot span the entire width of the waterway 104. In certain embodiments,the exemplary system 100 may also include one or more hydro-transitionunits 200 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more transition units). According to aparticular embodiment, the hydro-transition units 200 may include a bodyof reinforced fabric or material designed and manufactured to maintainits structural integrity when introduced to substantial force, such as amoving body of water. As will be described in greater detail herein, theone or more hydro-transition units 200 may be securely attached theframe 102, and in some embodiments attached to an opposing structure forsupport (e.g., via an anchor or the like).

As shown in the present embodiment, the hydro-transition units 200 maybe substantially triangular-shaped, although it should be understoodthat the hydro-transition units 200 may take any appropriate shape. Inparticular embodiments, the hydro-transition units 200 are manufacturedto include a shape that allows for maximum interaction with the water inthe waterway 104. In one embodiment, the hydro-transition units 200 areinstalled in such a way (e.g., at a downward and/or inwardly pointingangle/orientation) that the units 200 push water inward and in a focuseddirection towards the inlet of the frame 102, effectively narrowing thewidth of the water flow and increasing the flow rate. In this way, andin particular embodiments, turbines or other hydro-electric powergenerators located within the frame 102 may receive an enhanced powersource/supply (e.g., the water), and may thus generate more power.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a hydro-transition unit 200 is shown, accordingto one embodiment. In various embodiments, the hydro-transition unit 200includes components such as a body 202, a cable 204 (or guy-wire), aconnection at a bracket system 300, and an anchor system 500. Asdiscussed above in association with FIG. 1, and depicted in the presentembodiment, the body 202 of the hydro-transition unit 200 includes asubstantially triangular shape. According to various aspects of thepresent disclosure, the triangular shape of the body 202 may conform tothe wall of the waterway 104, such that any water flowing along the wallof the waterway 104 is “funneled” towards and into the inlet of theframe 102.

In a particular embodiment, the hydro-transitions system 100 discussedherein may include hydro-transition units 200 only at the inlet of theframe 102; however, including hydro-transition units 200 at the outletof the frame 102 may provide more efficient power generation. Accordingto various aspects of the present disclosure, including hydro-transitionunits 200 at the outlet of the frame 102 may allow for water to smoothlyexit the outlet of the frame 102, thus allowing new water to freelyenter and pass through the frame 102. In some embodiments withouthydro-transition units 200 at the outlet of the frame 102, water mayabruptly exit the frame 102, potentially creating a low pressure pocketat the sides of the frame, and potentially creating a turbulent vortexscenario that may impeded the flow of water through the frame 102 (thusresulting in lower power generation). Therefore, including thehydro-transition units 200 at both the inlet and outlet of the frame 102may promote laminar flow of the water and result in optimizedhydro-electric power generation.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the body 202 of the hydro-transition unit 200may be supported at the frame 102 by a bracket system 300, and also atthe opposite end via an anchor system 500. As will be discussed ingreater detail herein (e.g., during the discussion of FIGS. 3 and 5),the hydro-transition unit 200 withstands such substantial force from thewater moving within the waterway 104 that multiple points of supportallow for the body 202 to best move/transition water into the frame 102inlet. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, oppositeends of the cable 204 may be attached to either the bracket system 300or the anchor system 500, and stretched to a particular tension forproviding structural support to the body 202. For example, without thecable 204 supporting the body 202, the body 202 may wave or fold understrong water currents (similar to a flag waving when expose to highwinds), or the body 202 may begin to fray or erode along the body 202fringe. In various embodiments, the cable 204 keeps the body 202 taughtand thus allows for the most efficient redirection of the water flowinto the frame 102 inlet.

In particular embodiments, the body 202 may be constructed in a shapethat is suitable to fit a channel, or the like. In some embodiments, theshape of the body 202 is dependent upon the shape of the channel inwhich the hydro-transition unit 200 is to be installed. In variousembodiments, the body 202 may be substantially triangular, substantiallyparallelepiped (e.g., with multiple cables and anchors), rectangular,etc. In various embodiments, the body 202 may be constructed of anysuitable material that may help direct water flow. In particularembodiments, the body 202 is constructed of a fabric, plastic, or acombination of fabric and plastic. In further embodiments, the body 202may be constructed of light-weight metals, polymers, ceramics, and/orcomposite materials. Depending on the type of fluid to be controlled,the material of the body 202 may be rust or corrosion resistant. Ahydro-transitions system, such as the one described in regards to theexample above, may result in an increase of power generation efficiencyof a turbine system of about 1%-10%, 10%-20%, 20%-30%, or 40%-70% due tothe increased volume and current flow of the water.

FIG. 3 depicts the exemplary bracket system 300, according to one aspectof the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the bracket system300 includes one or more brackets 302, where each bracket 302 may besecurely installed onto a corner of the frame 102. According to variousembodiments, the brackets 302 may be installed at each corner of theframe 102 and/or at both the inlet and outlet sides of the frame 102.

In particular embodiments, each bracket 302 is designed to receive apole or similar support structure that may be attached to the brackets302. As shown in the present embodiment, the brackets 302 include polesockets 304, where a pole may be inserted through the top bracket,lowered downward and inserted through the pole socket in the bottombracket, thereby securing the pole to the brackets 302. As will bediscussed in greater detail herein, the hydro-transition unit 200 may besecured to the brackets 302 via a pole, or a similar tool, and may beunsecured by lifting the pole upwards through the brackets 302 andbracket sockets 304.

FIG. 4 depicts the exemplary bracket system 300 with hydro-transitionunit 200 secured therein, according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure. As mentioned above in association with the discussion ofFIG. 3, the present embodiment includes a pole 402 for securelyattaching the hydro-transition unit 200 to the bracket system 300. Inthe present embodiment, the body 202 includes a sleeve 404 for acceptingthe pole 402. According to various aspects of the present disclosure,the sleeve 404 may be a cylindrical loop or sheath of the same materialas the body 202 (or a different material), where a portion of the bodyis folded backwards and attached to itself (e.g., via stitching,adhesives, applied heat, etc.). In certain embodiments, the sleeve 404includes a diameter approximately equal to that of the pole 402, orslightly larger, such that the pole 402 may be inserted through thesleeve 404. In various embodiments, the body 202 may be attached to thepole 402 in other ways, such as via a plurality of hooks or alatch/clamp mechanism. In some embodiments, the bracket system 300 mayinclude a quick-release mechanism such that the hydro-transition unit200 may be quickly detached from the bracket system 300 as a failsafemeasure (to be used in emergency scenarios, such as flooding).

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the cable 204may be attached to the pole 402 independently from the body 202. Forexample, the cable 204 may be attached to the pole 402 via a clamp orthe like, and the body 202 may be threaded onto the cable 204 (similarto a rod and curtain). As discussed briefly above, the cable 204 allowsfor the body 202 to remain taught when working to transition thedirection of water flow into the inlet of the frame 102.

In particular embodiments, the cable 204 may be any suitable cableconstructed of any material suitable for creating tension along thebottom of the hydro-transition unit 200 (e.g. substantially along a wallof a waterway). In one embodiment, the cable 204 is constructed of ametal, such as galvanized carbon steel, carbon steel, stainless steel,etc., PVC, nylon, Teflon, or another suitable material.

In certain embodiments, the cable 204 may be connected to the transitionbody 202 in any suitable way. In various embodiments, the cable 204 isembedded within the material of the body 202. In some embodiments, thecable 204 is connected along an edge of the transition body 202 vialoops, hooks, etc.

As will be understood, multiple cables 204 may be used for a singlehydro-transition unit 200. In various embodiments, the system mayinclude a cable 204 along both the top and bottom of the body 200. Insome embodiments, the number of cables 204 may depend on the shape andapplication of the hydro-transition unit 200. In these embodiments, forexample, a rectangular transition (with multiple anchors) may includetwo or more cables 204 for a single transition unit 200. In furtherembodiments, the system may not include any cables 204 in the transitionbody 202.

Turning now to FIG. 5, the exemplary anchor system 500 is depicted,according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, the anchor system 500 includes an end piece 502, an anchorcable 504, and an anchor 506. In particular embodiments, the end piece502 may accept the body 202, the cable 204, and the anchor cable 504,and securely attach each component at a singular/central location (via aclamp or the like). Generally, the end piece 502 is located near the topor outer limit of the waterway 104, which may allow for the end piece502 to avoid contact with water from the waterway 104 and also to allowthe body 202 to cover a maximum area in the waterway 104. For example,if the end piece 502 were located at a position near the middle of thewaterway 104, water would escape the body 202 by traveling in theuncaptured space between the body 202 and waterway wall. However, insome embodiments, the system may be designed to allow for at least somewater to travel around, under, or through the body 202. In variousembodiments, the end piece 502 may take any suitable form or shape andmay be constructed of plastic, metal, or other suitable material.

In certain embodiments, the anchor cable 504 may be attached to theanchor 506 at an anchor joint 508. The anchor joint 508, in someembodiments, may include a pin and lock mechanism for securing theanchor 506 to the anchor cable 504, or the anchor 506 and anchor cable504 may be permanently secured at the anchor joint 508 via welding oranother appropriate process. In other embodiments, the anchor 506,anchor joint 508, and anchor cable 504 may be a unitary piece that ismanufactured as a single unit. According to various aspects of thepresent disclosure, the anchor 506, anchor joint 508, anchor cable 504,and end piece 502 may be manufactured of various materials, such assteel, iron, galvanized steel, or other metals and alloys.

Continuing with FIG, 5, the anchor 506 is installed in close proximityto the frame 102 (not shown) for providing resistive force to the body202 of the hydro-transition unit 200. In particular embodiments, theanchor 506 may be installed in the ground near (or in) the waterway 104(e.g., in the embankment). For example, the anchor 506 may be drivendownwards into the ground, or in some embodiments the ground may beexcavated for creating a hole for receiving the anchor, where the holemay be recovered or filled with cement (or another appropriate fillingmaterial).

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the systemsdiscussed herein may be used in a variety of environments. In somesituations, the body 202 and/or cable 204 of the transition unit 200 areanchored to an object other than the ground (such as, for example, atree in situations where the system 100 is installed in a river). Inthese embodiments, and others, the anchor 506 may take the form of acable (e.g., to be wrapped around a tree or other object), a clasp(e.g., to be attached to another object), a hook, etc.

FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the hydro-transitions system100, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In somescenarios, based on the waterway 104 shape, it may be beneficial tocover any space between the waterway 104 walls and the bodies of thehydro-transition units 200 (e.g., to prevent water from overflowing intothe space, to prevent rubbish from collecting in the space, to preventwildlife from becoming trapped in the space, etc.) Accordingly, and invarious embodiments, the hydro-transition units 200 may include a body602, where the body 602 covers a space between the waterway 104 wall andthe hydro-transition unit 200. In the present embodiment, the body 602is a unitary component, and may be manufactured as a single fabric orreinforced material. In some embodiments, portions of the body 602 maybe manufactured separately and be joined around or near components ofthe hydro-transition unit 200 (e.g., the cable, bracket system, anchorsystem). In further embodiments, the body 602 is a unitary piece withthe rest of the hydro-transition unit 200 and is inflatable or the like(e.g., to prevent water from passing between the upstream and downstreamportions of the hydro-transition unit).

Turning now to FIG. 7, another alternate embodiment of thehydro-transitions system 100 is depicted, according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In some scenarios, for example during wintermonths in a cold climate, the ground near a water channel 104 may beparticularly difficult to excavate, notwithstanding help from machinery.In these scenarios, it may be difficult to install an anchor system,such as the anchor system 500 (not shown) described herein. Accordingly,and as shown in the present embodiment, an alternative anchor system maybe used, where the alternative anchor system includes a jamminganchor/compression member 702. In particular embodiments, the jamminganchor 702 may be a rod or pole that is securely attached to, orpositioned within, the bracket system 300, and furthermore rested on oraround the waterway 104 (similar to where an anchor 506 (not shown inFIG. 7) would be positioned). In certain embodiments, the jamming anchor702 may be operable to withstand compressive loads, such as the forceexerted onto the body 202 (or 602) from the water in the waterway 104,and furthermore this force may maintain the jamming anchor 702 in place(e.g., water may press against the body 202 or jamming anchor 702 andpress the jamming anchor 702 into a wall of a waterway 104).

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, each corner ofthe frame 102, or each bracket 302 of the bracket system 300, may accepta jamming anchor 702 for supporting the corners of the frame 102. Assuch, and in various embodiments, the jamming anchor(s) 702 may act as abrace effectively securing the frame 102 in its position when opposingends of the jamming anchors 702 are in contact with the surroundingarea. In some embodiment, the jamming anchor 702 may be manufacturedfrom steel or other metals and alloys; however, in particularembodiments, the jamming anchor 702 may be manufactured from wood orother organic materials.

In other alternate embodiments, the system may include additionalfeatures that assist with the acceleration of fluid through the frame102, such as, for example, grooves, ridges, etc., on the body 202 (or602). Additionally, in some alternate embodiments, the body 202 (or 602)may be curved, may form another shape, or may partially lay on thewaterway 104 surface to aid in fluid acceleration.

CONCLUSION

Aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed invention(s) will becomeapparent from the information disclosed in the exhibits and the otherapplications as incorporated by reference. Variations and modificationsto the disclosed systems and methods may be effected without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope ofthe disclosure is intended by the information disclosed in the exhibitsor the applications incorporated by reference; any alterations andfurther modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, andany further applications of the principles of the disclosure asillustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the disclosure relates.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments has beenpresented only for the purposes of illustration and description and isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventions to the preciseforms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the inventions and their practical application so as toenable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions and variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which the present inventionspertain without departing from their spirit and scope. Accordingly, thescope of the present inventions is defined by the appended claims ratherthan the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments describedtherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydrokinetic turbine system comprising: a framefor positioning the turbine system in a waterway; one or more turbinesoperatively connected to the frame; at least one bracket coupled to theframe; and a transition operatively connected to the at least onebracket, the transition comprising: a substantially flat body forspanning a distance between the frame and a portion of the waterway; acable operatively connected to an edge of the substantially flat body,the cable for providing tension in the substantially flat body andconnected to the frame and to an end piece; the end piece operativelyconnected to the substantially flat body, the cable, and an anchor; andthe anchor for connecting the substantially flat body to a stationaryobject.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rod operativelyconnected to an end of the transition and the at least one bracket. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket comprises afirst bracket and second bracket.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein: thesubstantially flat body is substantially triangular in shape; a firstpoint of the substantially flat triangular-shaped body is connected tothe first bracket; and a second point of the substantially flattriangular-shaped body is connected to the second bracket.
 5. The systemof claim 4, wherein a third point of the substantially flattriangular-shaped body is connected to the end piece.
 6. An apparatuscomprising: a substantially flat, substantially triangular body; atleast one cable operatively connected to an edge of the substantiallytriangular body; an end piece operatively connected to the at least onecable and a first corner of the substantially triangular body; and ananchor connected to the end piece, the anchor comprising a mechanism forconnecting the substantially triangular body to a stationary object,wherein a length of the substantially triangular body between a secondcorner and a third corner is configured for receiving a rod, the rod forconnecting the substantially triangular body to a frame of a turbinesystem.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the mechanism forconnecting the substantially triangular body to the stationary object isa connector selected from the group comprising: a ground stake, a hook,a clamp, and a latch.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the mechanismfor connecting the substantially triangular body to the stationaryobject is ground stake.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the rod isoperatively connected to one or more brackets operatively connected tothe frame.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the one or morebrackets define an opening with a diameter larger than a diameter of therod.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the substantially triangularbody comprises a fabric material.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe fabric material is reinforced.
 13. A system for harvestinghydrokinetic energy in a waterway, the system comprising: a framepositioned perpendicular to an embankment of the waterway, the framecomprising one or more side walls; one or more brackets coupled to acorner of the one or more side walls, wherein the bracket includes amechanism for securely receiving a pole; and one or morehydro-transition units, wherein each of the one or more hydro-transitionunits comprise: a substantially flat body, wherein the substantiallyflat body is a reinforced fabric-based material for spanning a distancebetween the frame and a portion of the waterway; a cable operativelyconnected to an edge of the body, the cable for providing tension in thebody; and an anchoring system for anchoring the substantially flat bodywithin the waterway.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the anchoringsystem comprises a jamming anchor extending along a length of thesubstantially flat body for pressing against at least a portion of theembankment of the waterway.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein: theanchoring system comprises an end piece coupled to the substantiallyflat body, the cable, and an anchor; and the anchor for connecting thehydro-transition unit to a stationary object.
 16. The system of claim13, wherein the system further comprises one or more turbinesoperatively connected to the frame for harvesting hydrokinetic energy.17. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more brackets comprise afirst bracket and a second bracket.
 18. The system of claim 17, whereinthe first bracket is located proximate a top portion of the frame andthe second bracket is located proximate a bottom portion of the frame.19. The system of claim 18, wherein: the hydro-transition unit furthercomprises a rod operatively connected to the substantially flat body;and the rod is operatively connected to the first bracket and the secondbracket.